CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated modern mess facilities for Nagaland Police at Chümoukedima, funded under SASCI 2023–24 on Wednesday.
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DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the newly constructed NGO’s Mess and Officers’ Central Mess buildings at the Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, Minister Metsubo Jamir, Advisors and MLAs Moatoshi Longkumer, Zhaleo Rio, and Tovihoto Ayemi, along with the Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma.
Speaking at the event, Rio said the buildings symbolise the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and professional well-being of the police force.
He asserted that these facilities reflect gratitude for the tireless service and sacrifices made by Nagaland Police personnel.
The chief minister reminded the police force that in uniformed services, the mess facilities are more than just infrastructure—they serve as spaces for unity, discipline, mutual respect, and camaraderie. These centres allow officers to reflect, bond, and build team spirit, he said.
Recalling the legacy of the Nagaland Police, Rio mentioned that the foundation of the Officers' Mess dates back to the establishment of the 1st NAP Battalion in 1964.
He expressed hope that the new complex would carry forward the proud traditions of the past, resonating with stories of brotherhood, courage, and shared purpose.
The chief minister also commended the visionaries, engineers, architects, workers, and Nagaland Police for their efforts in completing the project on time. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the police force with modern technology, training, and infrastructure.
Acknowledging challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking, he stated that the new mess facilities are part of a broader strategy to enhance police capacity.
He noted that Nagaland’s police-to-population ratio currently stands at 1,136 officers per lakh population and stressed that policing should be rooted in cooperation and mutual respect, not just authority.
Rio also underlined the need for the police and administration to enforce checks and balances responsibly to ensure justice is upheld.
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He acknowledged the difficult working and housing conditions of police personnel and assured that the state government remains committed to improving their support systems and welfare measures.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton described the occasion as a milestone achievement for Nagaland Police.
He noted that the old officers’ mess, constructed in the early 1970s, had become dilapidated over time. The decision to build a modern, multi-storied complex was made to address these shortcomings, he said.
Patton credited the government’s leadership under Chief Minister Rio for securing funding under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023–24, sanctioned by the government of India on February 3, 2023.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allocating a total of INR 10.5 crore for the two projects: the Officers' Mess and the NGO's Mess.
He informed that the Officers’ Mess will accommodate 24 officers and their families, while the NGO’s Mess is designed to house 64 non-gazetted officers.
Patton also proposed the establishment of a new multi-purpose government facility in Dimapur, pointing out the ageing Rhododendron Hall, which was inaugurated in 1990 and has served as a key venue for various meetings and events.
Presenting the technical report, Chief Engineer of PEP PHQ, K Imnajungba Jamir, shared that the Officers’ Central Mess (G+2) was constructed at a cost of INR 6 crore.
Construction began on August 16, 2023, and was completed on December 3, 2024. The facility includes 12 suites and 24 standard flats.
The NGO’s Mess (G+4), completed at a cost of INR 4.5 crore, was built between August 17, 2023, and January 7, 2025. The facility includes 32 double-bedded rooms, a dormitory, common kitchen, dining hall, and a room with an attached toilet for persons with disabilities. Both buildings were funded under SASCI 2023–24 (Part-1).